- Maine, USA -
Following an animal cruelty investigation, the Belfast Police Department arrested 24-years-old KRYSTA SWEETLAND and 24-years-old ROBERT DEBECK (both pictured), both of Belfast.
Police launched an investigation on October 13, 2023, after receiving a complaint about the welfare of animals at a property on 37 Achorn Road.
At the residence, officers found several cats and dogs. Police said the Voiceless Victims were showing signs of abuse and malnutrition. Some of them were found to be in critical condition. One of the female dogs had five puppies. Sadly, one of them was dead when the police arrived.
Belfast Police Chief Robert Cormier told NEWS CENTER Maine that officers also found three adult cats in a container meant for one cat.
Officers removed thirteen furvictims from the property and took them to veterinary clinics.
On Friday, October 20, 2023, police arrested SWEETLAND, and the following day they arrested DEBECK. Bond was set at $2,500 each. Both are facing thirteen counts of animal cruelty and are set to be arraigned on December 1, 2023, at Waldo County Superior Court, at 8:30 a.m.
Chief Cormier said that SWEETLAND and DEBECK said they were taking care of the animals and denied any wrongdoing.
Chief Cormier described the living conditions of the furvictims as “deplorable” and explained that investigators are seeking to elevate the standard Class D charge to a Class C charge.
All the Voiceless Victims are being cared for by veterinarians and when they fully recover, PAWS in Camden will handle their adoptions.
Police said that the investigation is ongoing. Anyone who has information about this case is asked to call (207) - 338 - 2040. Thank you!
The name of the deceased furbaby was not disclosed, so I took the liberty of naming him/her Tulip for the tribute image. Should his/her given name be made public, I will rectify it accordingly.
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